Mumbai, Feb 8 (NationPress) Pakistan appears to be reconsidering its decision to boycott the match against India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. However, they are demanding significant concessions from the ICC following discussions with two senior officials from the International Cricket Council (ICC), a report indicated on Sunday.

Similarly, Bangladesh is pushing for a larger share of revenue from the ICC, along with hosting rights for a global event, potentially the next Under-19 World Cup in 2028. The Pakistan Cricket Board is also advocating for increased funding and urging the ICC to assist in reviving bilateral cricket with India, as reported by Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).

The meeting in Lahore on Sunday involved ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja and ICC Associate Members' representative Mubashir Usmani, who engaged with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Salman Naseer, head of the Pakistan Super League.

During this meeting, ICC officials emphasized the seriousness of the situation, warning that Pakistan might face sanctions and financial penalties for not adhering to the Members Participation Agreement, which mandates that all signatories participate in ICC events.

Reportedly, the PCB chairman outlined several conditions to the ICC, including increased annual funding for Pakistan, the revival of bilateral series with India, and a gesture of sportsmanship such as players shaking hands during an India-Pakistan match. Additionally, Bangladesh is seeking financial compensation from the ICC along with the hosting rights for a global event, possibly the upcoming Under-19 World Cup in 2028, according to sources from Telecom Asia Sport.

The ICC officials assured the PCB that these requests would be taken to the ICC Board for deliberation at their next meeting.

Meanwhile, sources have indicated that the final decision will rest with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Naqvi informed the ICC delegation that he would present the matter to PM Sharif, who is anticipated to make a decision by Monday.

Earlier, Aminul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, arrived in Lahore specifically to discuss strategies with Naqvi, as both boards aim to navigate potential ICC actions. Sources revealed that Aminul traveled to Lahore via Karachi for this meeting. Naqvi and Aminul have previously collaborated effectively, especially in their efforts to relocate Bangladesh's Twenty20 World Cup matches out of India, with support from Pakistan.

Naqvi, in his role as chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), had ensured that Bangladesh could hold a regional meeting despite India’s insistence that it be held elsewhere.

Reports from Pakistani media suggest that the ICC is feeling the pressure as Pakistan remains firm in its boycott decision against India.

As both Bangladesh and Pakistan prepare to address the ICC, discussions will revolve around their strategies for the upcoming ICC Board meeting. Pakistan is currently evaluating its options: whether to uphold its boycott stance or retract the decision while maintaining its leverage. Behind-the-scenes negotiations involving ICC powerbrokers Imran Khawaja and Pankaj Khimji have been instrumental in bringing all parties back to the table.

“The next 48 hours will be crucial in determining Pakistan's decision and the ICC's response,” a source remarked to Telecom Asia Sport.